>

>

Article

Media

Bellator has added one of the sport’s top prospects to its roster, as it announced Friday that is has signed former NCAA wrestling champion and undefeated lightweight Bubba Jenkins to a “long term promotional agreement.”

The 25 year-old Jenkins will make his Bellator debut this summer, however, the organization has announced that he will compete several times before entering one of the promotion’s tournaments.

“Bubba Jenkins is MMA’s top young prospect and we have the optimal developmental program to maximize that talent,” Bellator CEO & Chairman Bjorn Rebney said in a press release from the promotion. “Our mission is to sign and develop the world’s best fighters. Bubba’s development will be strategic and disciplined, taking all appropriate preliminary steps prior to his facing the rigors of the toughest tournament in sports.”

Jenkins has gone 3-0 to date since transitioning into pro MMA in 2011. The American Top Team fighter has won all three of his bouts in the first round.

“After sitting down with Bjorn, I really felt comfortable with the opportunity laid out for me, and this is where I want to be,” Jenkins said. “Bellator is doing a lot of great things right now and I want to be a part of it. I’m not here to step on any toes, I’m here to develop as an elite fighter, get my shot in the tournament and eventually compete for a world championship.”

Jenkins won the NCAA National Championship in 2011, at 157 pounds, while attending Arizona State University.